3M Automotive Division

Sponsor Content

In today’s economy, people are keeping their vehicles longer and looking for smart, affordable ways to maintain them. Rust and corrosion are glaring examples of what can go wrong when your car’s painted surfaces are chipped or scratched. Sometimes the fight against rust feels like an uphill battle; but if you can help avoid the cause, you may be one step ahead of the game.

Four small pieces of lead may not seem like a big deal. Each wheel on your car likely has a little bar of lead on its rim, in the form of a wheel weight. But picture the magnitude of vehicles on U.S. roads and you see quickly how all that lead adds up to a significant problem.

For decades, wheel weights have largely consisted of chunks of lead clamped to the wheel rim. Why lead? Because it is cheap and heavy, allowing the use of relatively small weights to balance wheels. However, the toxic metal can cause brain damage and other nervous-system disorders in people.

Properly balanced wheels have long been recognized as helping provide improved ride quality, better gas mileage and reduced tire wear, making wheel balancing an important part of car care and maintenance.

For decades wheel weights have largely consisted of chunks of lead clamped to the wheel rim. Lead has traditionally been used to make wheel weights because it is cheap and heavy, allowing the use of relatively small weights to balance wheels. However, the highly toxic metal can cause brain damage and other nervous-system disorders in people.

Automotive aftermarket manufacturers and OEM product designers are continually developing new and better products for cars. There are hundreds of items available to modify an automobile, from protective and functional to decorative and appearance. Many of these products require some method of attachment. A number use clips, screws or other mechanical fasteners, and many rely on an adhesive. Companies like 3M are constantly improving upon the technologies that make it easier and more reliable to attach parts and accessories to vehicles.

Small changes can add personality to your vehicle without breaking the bank. And it’s easier than you may think. The internet puts thousands of decorative and protective automotive parts at your fingertips. A quick internet search reveals a myriad of options for any vehicle. Maybe you’d like the look of a grill insert or stainless steel rocker panels or the protection provided by body side moldings or a bug shield. For the high-performance look, you can choose an air dam, side vent or hood scoop.

Over 50 million pounds of lead per year are used in the production of wheel weights today, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To help counter this problem, the EPA recently created the National Lead- Free Wheel Weight Initiative to help reduce the amount of lead released into the environment. 3M is pleased to be a charter member of this EPA initiative.

You’ve invested time and effort in flawless bodywork and a pristine paint job. With proper care, you can keep that show-room look for a long time. One of the most important efforts you can make is to maintain a good wax job. Of course wax will maintain a glossy look and keep your car looking sharp, but it also makes it easier to wash off the contaminants that collect on the surface over time. Good wax coverage causes water to bead up on the surface and simplifies the task of wiping down the car.

Properly balanced wheels have long been recognized to help provide improved ride quality, better gas mileage and reduced tire wear, making wheel balancing an important part of car care and maintenance.

For decades wheel weights have largely consisted of chunks of lead clamped to the wheel rim. Lead has traditionally been used to make wheel weights because it is cheap and heavy, allowing the use of relatively small weights to balance wheels. However, the highly toxic metal can cause brain damage and other nervous-system disorders in people.

Most people know that proper tire pressure means better gas mileage and a more comfortable ride. But what about proper wheel balance?

Automobile manufacturers and tire retailers install a weight on the metal rim of each wheel when you purchase a vehicle or new tires. Traditionally made of lead, these small weights are designed to help provide a smoother ride, better gas mileage and more even tire wear.

Maybe you’re not in the market to buy new, but you’d like to change the look of your car, truck or SUV. Or maybe you just bought a new or used vehicle and you’d like to add some personality. It’s easier than you may think.